How To Elope At Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most unique and popular places for adventure couples to elope. Located in the Mojave Desert, the beautiful desert landscape is home to unique plants, animals, and cultural history. Joshua Tree is also a fantastic place to view the night sky. It’s really no wonder so many couples want to plan a Joshua Tree elopement in this Southern California park. Let’s talk about how to elope at Joshua Tree National Park.
Range Of Light Wed
We're Range Of Light Wed, your local Sierra Nevada's elopement planning dream team. We are a group of seasoned wedding professionals who want to support your elopement or small wedding dreams. Our biggest goal is to give you a meaningful experience that feels just how YOU want it to.
We delight in sharing our home, the Sierra Nevadas, with couples ready to start their lives with big adventures or quiet moments. We can’t wait to help you elope at Joshua Tree National Park.
Should You Elope?
This is a big decision, and we understand if it’s been a struggle deciding between a bigger traditional wedding versus an elopement/small wedding. Check out our 17 Real Life Pros and Cons Of Big Wedding vs Elopement guide. If you are over the "show" that traditional big weddings can be, tired of everyone else’s opinions on how YOUR day should look, or stunned by the insane cost of a big wedding, then eloping with Range Of Light Wed might be right for you.
We are all about an intentional elopement day that is all about you and your partner. We are here for those seeking a peaceful commitment day to experience the other worldly beauty of Joshua Tree National Park.
How To Elope In Joshua Tree National Park
From the giant rock formations to stunning desert landscapes, having a Joshua Tree elopement is surreal in the best way possible. This vast national park transports adventure couples to a landscape unlike any place they've ever seen.
1. Choose A Time Of Year
Once you decide that Joshua Tree is the elopement destination for you, you'll need to choose the perfect time of year to elope in the park.
2. Hire Your Joshua Tree Elopement Dream Team (we'll take it from here)
The Range Of Light Wed Joshua Tree Elopement Package Includes:
On site hair and makeup (we'll bring the getting ready suite to you if you're camping).
Personal florals for 2 people
Officiant
Complimentary Champagne
Gourmet Picnic Lunch
A gluten-free, organic, non-gmo cake
A table for 2 where local laws allow
Collaborative Timeline Planning
Location Suggestions
6 Hours of Photography Coverage (with option to extend)
Full Resolution files with printing rights.
Online gallery for printing and sharing.
NO TRAVEL FEES
3. Decide On Where To Elope At Joshua Tree National Park
The park has several locations that are set aside for Joshua Tree weddings and elopements. You can also find your own. We are here to help every step of the way and will find the perfect Joshua Tree spot for you.
4. Apply For Your Joshua Tree Permit + California Marriage License
Joshua Tree National Park requires you to submit an online application for a special use permit. You must also apply for your California marriage license (more on that below).
5. Book Your Joshua Tree Airbnb or Lodging
There are plenty of unique lodging options to make your Joshua Tree elopement truly memorable.
Have the best elopement day ever!
Let’s get into more details…
Best Time Of Year To Elope in Joshua Tree National Park?
Desert climate is no joke! Temperatures can get colder then you might think in the winter and intensely hot during the summer months. We recommend planning your Joshua Tree National Park elopement during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall, as they tend to have milder temperatures.
Winter: You will find that there are still crowds at Joshua Tree during the winter months, but the daytime temps are much easier to handle. Don’t stay out too late, as freezing temps are common at night in winter. There is also the possibility of a rare (and random) snowstorm.
Summer: There is one word for summer at Joshua Tree: HOT! Temperatures in July and August can easily reach over 100 degrees. Trust us, you will sweat, your makeup might run, and it will be uncomfortable. But on the positive side, the heat means fewer people in the park, longer days, and gorgeous views of the Milky Way. We highly recommend a sunrise or sunset ceremony to avoid the extreme summer heat.
Spring and Fall: If you’re looking for the best temperatures overall, Spring or Fall are the best times to elope at Joshua Tree National Park. Keep in mind that good weather attracts more people.
We love a Joshua Tree elopement in March or April and October or November. During these months, you have a low chance of rain, very minimal cloud cover, and comfortable daytime temperatures at around 75 and sunny.
We love bluebird skies, sunny but not scorching hot days, and crisply beautiful starry nights that beg for time by the fire pit.
Best Time Of Day To Elope In Joshua Tree National Park
Our resident photographer, Joleen, loves an elopement at Joshua Tree National Park at sunrise and/or sunset. This allows you to take advantage of the most dynamic and beautiful light. It’s also such a lovely time to be outside and take a moment to reflect as you watch the first or last moments of the day.
A sunrise elopement means you will experience Joshua Tree’s “blue hour,” which transitions into “golden hour.” At this park, Blue Hour plays off of the fantastic warmer tones of Joshua Tree and creates a truly magical landscape.
A sunset elopement means you will experience the “golden hour.” We love sunset at Joshua Tree because the sky tends to be extremely clear, with minimal light pollution.
Joshua Tree Elopement/Wedding Locations
Inside The Park
There are several designated areas within the park where you can hold a ceremony, and you’ll need to choose the area when you fill out the permit. Each location has a limit for the number of people and cars, so make sure to pay special attention to these details when choosing a location.
We love Joshua Tree because although it’s important to note that each designated location is relatively similar, containing gorgeous panoramic views, rock formations, and those dreamy desert landscapes, there is always something unique about each location.
Hidden Valley Picnic Area
This is one of the Joshua Tree’s most known and beloved hikes. The one-mile trail will take you to a gorgeous valley filled with towering rocks. This is the perfect spot for sunset ceremonies.
Ceremony Location Rules: 35 people Max + 8 cars
Turkey Flats
At Turkey Flats you will have gorgeous views of Pinto Mountain. This desert plain is sandy, wide, and covered with bushes and grass. This trail is just a little over 2 miles making it great for an adventure elopement.
Ceremony Location Rules: 35 people Max + 8 cars
Split Rock
The unique rock formations and elevation of Split Rock make it a truly unique elopement location (and one of our favorites). The hike is around 2 miles long and moderately challenging.
Ceremony Location Rules: 15 people Max + 5 cars
Quail Springs Picnic Area
This charming picnic area can be found on the western portion of Park Boulevard, and is undoubtedly one of the more popular picnic spots close to the town of Joshua Tree. Calling all rock climbing adventure elopers - if you like rock climbing, there are some easy access spots for beginner friendly routes at this location.
Ceremony Location Rules: 15 people Max + 8 cars
Porcupine Wash
Porcupine Wash is one of the longest trails in Joshua Tree National Park, but we absolutely love the beauty along the way. At just over 8-mile, the trail is filled with gorgeous wildflowers and a ton of unique rock formations.
Ceremony Location Rules: 12 people Max + 4 cars
Other Locations Include:
Indian Cove Amphitheater100 people, 1 car
Cap Rock - 25 people, 8 cars
Rattlesnake Picnic Area — 20 people, 8 cars
Queen Valley Mine Intersection — 10 people, 5 cars
Live Oak Picnic Area - 5 people, 3 cars
Choosing a location when you’ve never been to the park can be overwhelming and challenging. That’s what we are here for! We take care of (almost) everything for you!
Range Of Light Wed Tip: Make sure to let us know if you really want to have Joshua Trees at your ceremony site! We can find that for you, but not every designated area inside the park has Joshua Trees.
Outside Of The Park/At A Venue
There are some great spots in the park for ceremonies, but with the limited capacity, it’s good to have options if you want to have a ceremony that includes more family and friends. Having your ceremony at a nearby venue is a great way to take photos at Joshua Tree National Park and provide a more accessible location for your guests. Here are a few of our favorite spots:
Mojave Moon Ranch - 10 minutes from West Entrance
Tumbleweed Sanctuary - 15 minutes from West Entrance
Morada - 20 minutes from West Entrance
Rimrock Ranch - 30 minutes from West Entrance
Wedding Locations We Recommend Nearby
If you’re digging the vibe, but want something off the beaten path, check out these other options:
Death Valley National Park: Yes, Death Valley National Park, and you can actually find Joshua Trees here!
Yosemite National Park: Yosemite is truly one of our favorite elopement destinations. Taft Point, Glacier Point, and El Capitan Meadows - need we say more?
Alabama Hills: If you’re looking for an elopement destination that is a little off the beaten path, with tons of boulders and epic views of California’s tallest mountain, look no further than Alabama Hills.
Mojave Desert Preserve: This preserve is very similar to Joshua Tree National Park, with even more Joshua Trees.
None of these fit your vibe? Reach out and we can discuss what locations are calling your name!
Permits and Rules For Joshua Tree Weddings/Elopements
If you’re sure you want to elope in Joshua Tree, then you’re going to need to submit a special use wedding permit. The special use permit is $120, and it’s required for all Joshua Tree wedding/elopement ceremonies. If you don't get a permit, you may be charged a $500 citation fine.
On the special use permit application you will have to designate which Joshua Tree approved location you would like for your elopement ceremony. These locations are on a first-requested, first-served basis. Even when you choose a designated location, unfortunately, you can’t prevent other park visitors from wanting the same wedding location. Keep in mind that the entrance fees are not waived for yourselves or anyone attending your wedding even with a permit.
Joshua Tree is an incredibly eco-friendly park and eloping here means that many traditional wedding decorations and other items are not permitted in the park. This includes things like dried flowers, non-battery candles, bubbles, drones, confetti, balloons, or smoke bombs.
You can find the Special Use Permit here. The park accepts applications that are a minimum of 15 days prior to your requested date and no more than 12 months from applying for a permit.
Don’t Forget: The approved permit must be with you during your event.
Marriage License For Your Joshua Tree National Park Elopement
To get married in Joshua Tree National Park, you will need to get your California marriage license. If you live here, you can find a county clerk’s office close to home to get your marriage license.
A California marriage license is valid for 90 days after being issued, and ranges from $60 – $100+ depending on where in California you apply for your marriage license.
If you’re traveling from out of state, the San Bernardino County Clerk’s Office is the closest to Joshua Tree National Park and they have a couple of different locations available.
Rules For A Joshua Tree Elopement
Allowed: Free-standing arches, small tables, a guest book, coolers with water, live flowers, battery-powered candles, runner rugs, cake, and champagne. We provide all of these things for you!
Not Allowed: Drones, dried flowers, burning candles, bubbles, any live animals (including pets, doves, butterflies, etc.), confetti, rice, birdseed, balloons, and smoke bombs.
Where to Stay in Joshua Tree National Park
When it comes to staying in and around the park, there are a few fun and unique options to choose from including:
Camping
If you want to camp during your elopement, you will need to plan ahead. Keep in mind that during weekends and holidays in the peak months of October through May, many campsites will be full. You can reserve campsites at the recreation.gov site; some can be booked ahead of time, while others are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
There are also options to camp just outside the park. Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and is perfect for your adventure elopement. While getting wedding-ready in a tent or van might be a little more challenging, our Alyssa has you covered when you book our Joshua Tree elopement package.
Reservations Required:
First Come - First Serve:
Hotels
There are many interesting hotels in the area, no matter your budget. If you want to stay close to the park, aim for Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, or Twentynine Palms. If you’re down to drive, Palm Springs is a fun place to stay nearby. Don’t forget that it’s an hour-long drive to the park’s north entrance.
AutoCamp Joshua Tree (glamping, camping, Airstreams, cabins)
Sacred Sands (you can even have your wedding here!)
Airbnb
There are hundreds of options for Airbnbs near the park, all more beautiful than the last. Compounds are common in the area and are perfect for a group of people. You can even get married at some of the larger Airbnbs!
How Much Does It Cost To Elope In Joshua Tree?
It's important to consider how much it will cost to elope in Joshua Tree and if that coincides with your budget. Special Use fees are low and centrally located in California (only 2.5 hours east of Los Angeles). Joshua Tree is a great, affordable elopement destination option. Of course, the total cost of your elopement depends on YOU! If you want to splurge on lavish lodging, we are here for it! If you want to spend a little extra on your day of styling, that's fine by us! Here is a breakdown of what you can expect when eloping at Joshua Tree National Park.
Joshua Tree Photographer - $5,000-$10,000
Joshua Tree Hair & Makeup $600-$1,000
Joshua Tree Florals $400-$800
Officiant & License $600-$1,200
Marriage License and Special Use Permit $180 to $220
Lodging $400-$1,200
Flights & Car Rental $500-$800
Range Of Light Wed Joshua Tree Elopement Package
On site hair and makeup (we'll bring the getting ready suite to you if you're camping).
Personal florals for 2 people
Officiant
Complimentary Champagne
Gourmet Picnic Lunch
A gluten free, organic, non-gmo cake
A table for 2 where local laws allow
Collaborative Timeline Planning
Location Suggestions
6 Hours of Photography Coverage (with option to extend)
Full Resolution files with printing rights.
Online gallery for printing and sharing.
NO TRAVEL FEES
Tips Your Joshua Tree Adventure Elopement
Visit Joshua Tree at sunrise or sunset to experience the beautiful golden light that makes the desert look even more otherworldly.
Hiking early in the morning or later in the afternoon in the summer will keep you out of the harsh direct sunlight that may lead to overheating.
Always bring extra water (and more than you think) because, at Joshua Tree, it's easy to get turned around, so you always want to have enough water just in case you end up hiking around more than expected.
Bring your own food (or have Range Of Light provide a gourmet picnic). There are zero restaurants inside Joshua Tree National Park, and driving in and out of the park takes a bit. You'll want to keep that in mind and either bring food or have our Robin provide you with a gourmet picnic reception.
Prepare for zero cell service, water, electricity, street lights, and accommodations in the park. This National Park is a little different from other parks, and it's very much a desert with limited resources other than what nature provides.
Leave No Trace in Joshua Tree National Park
Whenever we talk about a Joshua Tree elopement, we have to talk about Leave No Trace (LNT). This set of principles of how best to preserve and protect the outdoors is something that’s required to keep our park the way that it is. We always practice Leave No Trace with our elopements.
We would love to help you plan the perfect dreamy desert elopement at Joshua Tree National Park!